The Entertainment Industry in Turmoil: Young Actresses All Want to Rise to the Top

#The Journey of Flower Finale#

#Is Painting Bones a Happy Ending?#

#ShenMoLiYitong#

The trending topics on Weibo were swept up by the wave of the finale of "The Journey of Flower".

Clicking through reveals an overwhelming wave of celebration and amazement.

"I thought it would be devastating, but it turned out to be so gentle."

"In the last five minutes, I went from sobbing uncontrollably to quietly shedding tears. This ending... was so sophisticated."

"Reunited on the boat, is amnesia punishment or redemption? I think she hasn't forgotten, he was just playing along."

After the finale, the Douban rating not only did not drop, but actually rose slightly, firmly anchoring at 8.3.

The long comment section has seen a surge of in-depth analytical articles, with titles such as: "From the 'Immortal-Slaying Pillar' to the 'Jiangxin Boat': On the Purification and Sublimation of the Tragic Core of 'The Journey of Flower'".

The final viewership rating settled at 3.54%, with a peak of 3.89%, breaking the record set by "My Love from the Star" in recent years and successfully crowning this fantasy drama extravaganza.

With a total of over 140 billion views across two online platforms, "The Journey of Flower" has become the first TV series to surpass 100 billion views online.

With the conclusion of "The Journey of Flower," Shen Mo and Li Yitong have been propelled into the top tier of the Chinese entertainment industry, boasting the highest commercial value and generating the most buzz.

First, on the day after the finale, Shen Mo's Weibo followers exceeded 1000 million, and the following day they increased by more than 50.

Li Yitong's fan count followed closely behind, surpassing 800 million.

Zhao Xiaoyu, the manager of Shen Mo and Li Yitong's agency, had her desk almost completely covered with letters of intent for cooperation from various brands.

From top-tier luxury watches, haute couture clothing, and luxury cars to endorsements of national consumer goods and brand ambassadors for all product lines, the prices offered are increasingly astonishing, and the additional conditions are increasingly generous.

At the same time, offers for new roles came in droves.

Many well-known directors and top producers personally called or spoke through intermediaries, offering top-tier terms such as "lead actor, unlimited investment, and choice of partners."

On the other hand, the surge in the number of fans has also brought about a more complex public opinion environment.

Besides drama fans and career fans, a large number of fans who admire his "capital tycoon" background have also flocked in, as well as... a considerable number of "girlfriend fans" and "wife fans".

Shen Mo's Weibo is not frequently updated. Most of the content is related to the promotion of TV series or major events of the company. His style is calm and restrained. He occasionally shares books or industry thoughts, but rarely touches on his private life.

This sense of "mystery" and "distance," unlike that of today's celebrities, further enhances his personal charm, making him more like a traditional actor focused on acting skills.

"Shen Mo is redefining the way top-tier celebrities exist—not relying on trending topics to maintain their popularity, but building a moat with their works and strength."

For Li Yitong, the biggest benefit, besides the surge in her fan base, is the tremendous recognition she has received from the market.

No longer a fleeting phenomenon like "My Love from the Star," but an artist who can consistently produce hit shows and stand at the top.

However, compared to Shen Mo, who almost never participates in commercial activities, GG photoshoots, or endorsements, Li Yitong accepted almost all of them after her team's screening.

"It's not about the money, it's just about the feeling of being busy!"

Even if Li Yitong, the "model worker of Hengdian," doesn't spend every day in Hengdian in this life, she's still someone who can't stay idle at home.

The explosive popularity of Shen Mo and Li Yitong has created a powerful synergistic effect of "1+1>2".

The first pairing, "Beichen Jinyue CP," and the second pairing, "Huagu CP," both became huge hits.

However, the two cannot work together again in the short term, as such a close partnership could hinder the progress of other film and television projects.

Furthermore, if the pairing is too rigid, it can easily cause resentment among their own fans.

Li Yitong was more aware of this than anyone else.

During a break from her trip, Li Yitong walked into Shen Mo's office with a document in her hand.

Yang Tianzhen is here too.

A stack of project offers lay before her, including top-tier productions, such as the S+ drama series that specifically requested the reunion of "Shen Mo and Li Yitong," offering top-tier treatment that would tempt any actor.

"The hype is there, and the platforms and investors are very keen to get involved."

Yang Tianzhen pointed at the project proposals.

Li Yitong glanced at the document briefly, shook her head, and walked to sit down on the sofa.

"If the bond is too deep, it can't be broken."

She slowly began, "To the audience, we are 'Painting Bones,' 'North Star Immersed in the Moon,' and they see everything through a filter. This will be a constraint for us to try other roles."

"Furthermore, excessive CP marketing can be off-putting to fans."

"Ultimately, this is not a good development path."

Shen Mo walked over with Yang Tianzhen's documents, sat down on the single sofa to Li Yitong's left, and then waved to Yang Tianzhen, inviting her to sit down as well.

Li Yitong looked at Yang Tianzhen with a determined gaze.

"We need to 'separate' ourselves, at least in terms of our work, there needs to be a clear interval."

"Let the name 'Li Yitong' be remembered and recognized independently of 'Shen Mo' first."

"It also gives Shen Mo the opportunity to create more diverse character images."

Shen Mo raised an eyebrow, a look of surprise in his eyes.

"Have you got an idea?"

"Hmm." Li Yitong took out the documents she had brought and handed them to Shen Mo. "This."

The document cover features several striking bold characters.

The Witness!

"A movie?" Shen Mo quickly flipped through the pages and handed it to Yang Tianzhen.

"A suspenseful crime trial..."

"Starring Sun Honglei and Guo Fucheng, directed by Fei Xing..."

"I want to try... awards, and a career change."

"We can't just keep getting stuck in idol dramas forever."

Li Yitong took over the conversation, lightly tapping the name "Lin Mengmeng" with her fingertip, next to which were her own densely handwritten annotations.

"This character has a significant role and complex emotions, including the spoiled and willful nature of a young girl, as well as the collapse, fear, guilt, and ultimately, a glimmer of humanity when faced with a major change."

"This is a great opportunity to win an award."

Because she knew that "Little Aunt" won both the Golden Rooster and Hundred Flowers Awards for Best Supporting Actress for this role.

She believes that with her enhanced acting skills, she can only perform even better.

She paused, then continued her analysis, her tone both cautious and ambitious.

"More importantly, this is a movie, a serious realistic film, completely different from all my previous roles in period dramas, fantasy films, and urban romance films."

"It can tell the market and the audience the fastest and most effectively that Li Yitong can not only play the role of a tragic love story in a fantasy drama, but also master the complex human nature on the big screen."

"The production team has been preparing for a long time and is currently holding open auditions for suitable actors. My schedule and condition are just right now after 'The Journey of Flower' has ended."

"Can we handle it?" Yang Tianzhen closed the file, a hint of doubt on his face.

Shen Mo nodded and looked at Li Yitong, "Should we ask their production company to invest?"

Li Yitong rolled her eyes at Shen Mo.

"You're probably hoping the rumors about me having connections and getting cast with my own money come true!"

Shen Mo laughed dismissively, "What's the big deal? So many people want to be a 'resource-backed star' but don't even have the chance. Look at Princess Jing, she's been called a 'resource-backed star' for so long, has she ever cared?"

"Let me give it a try! I believe I can do it. After all, I've already managed to get the script. If I still can't get the role, wouldn't that mean I'm a hopeless case?"

"Right, Mr. Yang!"

Yang Tianzhen opened the document again and carefully looked at the information about the production company.

"Let's be prepared for both scenarios. You can have a normal interview, and I'll also contact the production company to inquire."

Shen Mo nodded in agreement, "I have no objection to you proving your acting skills, but I also need to make sure that no one can bully my woman."

"In the name of Ink Trace, we will connect with the investors of 'Silent Witness' to express our importance and support for the project as Li Yitong's company, and to discuss in-depth collaboration on publicity resources."

"Mr. Yang, I'm leaving this coordination and communication to you!"

Yang Tianzhen handed the document back to Li Yitong, then smiled at Shen Mo.

"Understood, Mr. Shen! Actually, given Yitong's current popularity and status, no one would dare to act recklessly."

"I'll go take care of my work now."

Yang Tianzhen closed the office door and left, leaving only the two of them in the room with a soft "click".

Li Yitong simply lifted her foot, her fingers reaching towards her ankle, and the thin strap of her high heel obediently loosened, sliding down her instep.

Then she sat cross-legged on the sofa, her feet peeking out from under her skirt. The skin on the insteps of her feet was so white it was almost translucent, with faint blue veins showing underneath, like two pieces of warm jade lying still.

On her ankle, where the thin ribbon had been wrapped during the day, a light pink mark remained, which had not yet completely faded.

Shen Mo got up from the single sofa, sat down next to her, and put his arm around her.

Shen Mo didn't speak immediately. He leaned back against the sofa and looked back at her calmly.

After a moment, he spoke, his voice gentler than when he was with Yang Tianzhen: "Are you that eager to film this movie?"

"Um."

Li Yitong nodded. "The opportunity is really good. And..."

She paused, then lowered her voice.

"I really want to try and see how far I can go without 'Shen Mo' as my partner."

"Everyone outside is saying that I was brought up by you."

"Although I'm glad that's what others say."

"But I also want to prove myself."

These words were spoken very directly, but they also concealed a complex set of emotions that even she herself might not have fully sorted out.

There was excitement, and perhaps also a hint of unease about the impending separation.

Shen Mo looked at her, opened his mouth several times, and finally asked the question.

Are there any kissing scenes?

Li Yitong suddenly turned her head to look at her, her crescent-shaped eyes narrowed, and she burst out laughing.

"Haha, you're worried about that!"

She leaned to the side, her upturned face beaming with an irrepressible smile.

Shen Mo didn't laugh, he just looked at her, his arm tightening around her waist.

"What are you laughing at?"

His voice remained steady, without any discernible emotion, but the strength with which he held her betrayed a subtle difference.

Li Yitong stopped laughing, but the corners of her mouth were still upturned, and her eyes flashed with a knowing yet mischievous light.

Instead of answering directly, she shifted her legs, which were crossed, and accidentally brushed against Shen Mo's calf.

"I've read the script," she finally said, her voice softening like a feather brushing against the floor.

"have."

"Um?"

Shen Mo frowned suddenly, and just as he opened his mouth to say something, Li Yitong stood up and silenced him with her mouth.

After a long while, their lips parted, and Li Yitong's face still had a faint blush.

"What are you thinking about?"

"My character in this drama is the daughter, and I have a father-daughter relationship with the male lead, so there's no kissing scene between us."

"Besides, don't you know about the assistant I bring with me?"

"Even if there are kissing scenes, she's my kissing double. That was agreed upon before I joined the company."

She moved even closer, almost touching his nose, her warm breath brushing against the corner of his lips.

"You don't trust me?"

Shen Mo was speechless at her series of actions and words. Although his brows had relaxed, the arm around her waist did not loosen but instead tightened.

It's not that I'm worried.

He spoke, his voice lower and hoarser than before, carrying a complex honesty.

"But... considering you spent so long filming it yourself, and this movie didn't even have our own investment..."

He seemed to have carefully considered his choice of words.

"There's always a little bit of worry..."

He spoke cryptically, but Li Yitong understood.

It felt like the softest feather had brushed against my heart, warm and ticklish.

The fighting spirit that had just been fueled by the desire to prove oneself was now enveloped and softened by this warm current.

Li Yitong stopped teasing him and leaned softly back into his arms, her cheek pressed against his chest.

She reached out and wrapped her arms around his waist, as if seeking protection or offering comfort.

"I know."

Her voice was muffled against his chest, carrying an unprecedented gentleness.

"I spent ten years in this industry in my past life, so I know how to take care of myself."

"And I'll call you often, won't I?"

"As long as you're not too busy to answer my calls or find me annoying, that's fine."

She paused, then added.

"Besides, you just told President Yang that the company will liaise with investors to back me up. With Mohen behind me, who would dare to let me suffer any injustice?"

Shen Mo listened quietly, his chin resting gently on the top of her head, feeling the softness and fragrance of her hair, and then he murmured an "Mmm".

Li Yitong squirmed in his arms, her hair brushing against his chin and causing a slight itch.

"Don't act like you're made of iron while I'm gone. Eat on time, sleep on time, drink less coffee and herbal tea..."

"Now that I'm leaving, and Xiaobai isn't by your side, I'm actually a little worried."

"You tend to lose track of time when you're busy, but you really can't keep doing that, it's bad for your health."

Even though my body has been strengthened now, I still need to protect it.

Shen Mo didn't say anything, but simply tightened his embrace, holding her even closer.

After saying this, Li Yitong seemed to realize something, her pretty face flushed slightly, and she gently broke free from his embrace.

"Also, even if you are in good health now, your needs are high."

"And you must keep my house clean!"

She stretched out her small, cross-legged feet and stuffed them into his arms, giving them a few light kicks in a provocative manner.

"Don't let me find anything unclean!"

"I don't care about your social engagements outside, but you're not allowed to bring them home!"

"Otherwise, I'll cripple you!"

However, the way she grinned and grimaced on her chubby little face really made Shen Mo not afraid at all.

It took Shen Mo a while to realize what she was talking about. He shook his head and laughed speechlessly, then grabbed her small, white feet that were making a ruckus in his arms and pulled them behind him.

He let her legs wrap around his waist, and then hugged her again.

He leaned closer and pressed his lips to her ear, his warm breath brushing against her earlobe, bringing a slightly ticklish sensation.

"There won't be any more social engagements; I'll only serve Sister Xue!"